Ty Cooke Steps Down as District Six Representative

Late Friday afternoon City Councilman Ty Cooke told NewsChannel 11 he is stepping down after 10 and-a-half years representing District Six. Cooke says he will continue his position as President of the West Texas Municipal Power Agency (WTMPA). District Six is located in west and northwest Lubbock and has a population of 35,000.

Cooke said that family issues have caused him to reevaluate his priorities in life, in particular the passing of his mother earlier this month. He also says he used to enjoy serving on council, but recently he's become discouraged with the process. He and his wife Judy finalized this decision late Friday afternoon. "Judy and I had a long conversation about it last night. I guess it's triggered by the emotions with my mom dying. My son and daughter-in-law have moved back to Lubbock now, so all of our family is here. A little more freedom is gonna be nice. We're gonna really enjoy it," said Cooke.

Cooke served as acting mayor for six months from August 1996 through January 1997. He has also served as Mayor Pro-Tem. Cooke also serves as the Chairman and President of the WTMPA, which provides power to Lubbock Power and Light.

Cooke is a graduate of Monterey High and Texas Tech. He said in a statement that he is grateful to the voters of District six for the opportunity to serve. He also said he is most proud of the strong growth of LP&L, protecting the interests of Lubbock with respect to electric deregulation and the excellent jet service we now have at LIA.

City Council will call a special election to find Cooke's replacement. That should happen later this spring.

Burrows, one of the champions of the property tax bill that died on the last day of the special session, sat down with KCBD to discuss where the legislature will go from here, and if we'll see another special session.

Burrows, one of the champions of the property tax bill that died on the last day of the special session, sat down with KCBD to discuss where the legislature will go from here, and if we'll see another special session.